FAQs on Chautauqua Lake

• How big is Chautauqua Lake?

  Chautauqua Lake is 17 miles long and up to 2 miles wide at its widest point. The max depth of the north basin is 75 feet, and the max depth of the south basin is 19 feet. Chautauqua Lake is more than 13,000 acres in size. 

• Where can I rent a boat on Chautauqua Lake?

  Several marinas offering boat rentals are located on Chautauqua Lake, including Holiday Harbor Marina in Celoron, Chautauqua Marina in Mayville, We Wan Chu Cottages Boat Rentals, Smith Boys of Chautauqua in Ashville, Chautauqua Institution during the nine-week summer season, and several others. Learn more about boating on Chautauqua Lake.

• Where can I launch my boat on Chautauqua Lake?

  Chautauqua Lake has numerous boat launches. New York State runs several launches, including at Long Point State Park, Prendergast Point and Bemus Point. Other notable public boat launches are located in Celoron, Lakewood, Mayville, and McCrea Point Park in Jamestown, as well as several marinas that also offer rentals.

• Can I swim in Chautauqua Lake?

  Chautauqua Lake features several lifeguarded beaches, including at Chautauqua Institution, Lakewood Beach, Long Point State Park, and Mayville Lakeside Park. The Chautauqua County Health Department monitors water quality at the beaches. Learn more about beaches on Chautauqua Lake and elsewhere in Chautauqua County.

• What species of fish are in Chautauqua Lake?

  Chautauqua Lake, ranked #21 Best Bass Lake in the Northeast by Bassmaster (June 2023), offers exceptional fishing for walleye, bass, muskellunge and several species of panfish.

• Are there fishing guides and charters on Chautauqua Lake?

  Chautauqua Lake fishing guides and charters offer guided fishing trips for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish. Read more about fishing guides and charters on Chautauqua Lake.

• Where can I fish from the shore on Chautauqua Lake?

  Some popular shore fishing locations on Chautauqua Lake include Prendergast Point, Midway State Park, Long Point State Park, Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron, Lakewood Community Park, Bemus Point Lakeside Park, and McCrea Point Park on the Chautauqua Lake outlet. Learn more about fishing on Chautauqua Lake.

• Are there historic boat tours on Chautauqua Lake?

  The Chautauqua Belle offers historic tours on Chautauqua Lake from May-October on a steam-powered stern-wheeler. One Fine Day Boat Charter provides a private antique charter vessel with a flexible schedule and custom itinerary. You can also travel across Chautauqua Lake on the historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry, although this cable ferry trip does not feature a tour.